as in moderate
avoiding major social change or extreme political ideas
several centrist candidates were elected, apparently in a reaction against the extremists
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in middle-of-the-roader
a person who holds moderate views
the centrists will most likely rally behind the candidate who favors reforming the government program—not abolishing it entirely
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of centrist
Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Cuomo is campaigning as a centrist, while Mamdani is more progressive.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 June 2025
His second, third, and final Cabinets included a mix of social democrats, centrists, and conservatives.
—Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025
Musk’s work for Trump, meanwhile, had alienated liberals and centrists, tanking Tesla’s sales and stock price.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Noun
The situation has become serious enough that the push for Ocasio-Cortez to challenge Schumer now has support from both centrists and progressives, according to CNN.
—Jesus Mesa, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 June 2025
Cuomo is campaigning as a centrist, while Mamdani is more progressive.
—Brittney Melton, NPR, 24 June 2025
His second, third, and final Cabinets included a mix of social democrats, centrists, and conservatives.
—Adam Rasmi, Time, 20 June 2025
Musk’s work for Trump, meanwhile, had alienated liberals and centrists, tanking Tesla’s sales and stock price.
—Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 16 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for centrist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for centrist
Adjective
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Consider limiting outdoor activity when moderate to heavy smoke is present.—
Matthew Robinson,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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While Elliott has been concerned about Lamont’s moderate stances for years, the issue spiked to a new level recently among liberals when Lamont vetoed two controversial bills on affordable housing and awarding unemployment compensation benefits to striking workers.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
14 July 2025
Adjective
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Buckwheat 6 grams per cup cooked; gluten-free; complete protein Despite its name, buckwheat, which originated in central and western China, isn’t actually related to wheat.—
Caroline Tien,
SELF,
15 July 2025
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There’s a more intimate living room and family room for casual hangs, and the kitchen has been updated with Gaggenau appliances and a large central island.—
Tori Latham,
Robb Report,
15 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Centrist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/centrist. Accessed 22 Jul. 2025.
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